Packers' Rodgers wins 2nd MVP award

Phoenix, AZ (SportsNetwork.com) - Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player for a second time in his career on Saturday night.

Rodgers, who also won the award in 2011, garnered 31 of the 50 available votes from a nationwide media panel. He beat out Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt to win the award, which is given by the Associated Press.

Watt was a unanimous pick as Defensive Player of the Year after a dominant season, becoming just the seventh player ever to win the award twice after previously receiving it in 2012.

Rodgers, 31, guided the Packers to a 12-4 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship game against Seattle. He completed 341-of-520 passes for 4,381 yards and 38 touchdowns with just five interceptions for a 112.2 rating.

In his fourth season with the Texans, Watt was a defensive juggernaut, racking up 20 1/2 sacks for the second time in three seasons. He had 78 tackles, four forced fumbles, a safety and an interception returned for a touchdown.

The 25-year-old also contributed on the offensive side of the ball, catching three touchdown passes.

Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray was honored as the Offensive Player of the Year after guiding his team to an NFC East title as the league's top rusher. He ran for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns on 392 attempts and led the NFL with 2,261 yards from scrimmage.

Arizona's Bruce Arians became the first coach in NFL history to be awarded Coach of the Year honors multiple times in a three-year span with more than one team. He won the award in 2012 with Indianapolis.

In his second season with the Cardinals, Arians led the team to a franchise record-tying 11 wins and a postseason berth. He joined Don Coryell as the only coaches in team history to win 10-plus games in consecutive seasons.

Todd Bowles, who served as Arians' defensive coordinator and is now the Jets' head coach, won the first-ever Assistant Coach of the Year award.

Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. seized the Offensive Rookie of the Year award with a dynamic season. The LSU product took home 42 of the 50 available votes after hauling in 91 passes for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The 22-year-old drew national attention after a phenomenal one-handed touchdown catch against Dallas in Week 12 and took home Play of the Year on Saturday during the "NFL Honors" TV show. His 606 yards in December are the most by any rookie in a single month.

Defensive Rookie of the Year honors were given to a defensive tackle for the second straight season as St. Louis' Aaron Donald took home the award. Donald led all rookies with nine sacks and also compiled 48 tackles with two forced fumbles over 16 games (12 starts).

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was named Comeback Player of the Year after catching 12 touchdown passes and making 82 receptions for 1,124 yards a year after tearing his ACL and MCL in 2013.

Kansas City outside linebacker Justin Houston won the Deacon Jones award after leading the NFL with 22 sacks and Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell was given the title of Fantasy Player of the Year.

Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis was the recipient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which celebrates volunteer and charity work in addition to play on the field.

Cardinals wideout Larry Fitzgerald claimed the inaugural Art Rooney NFL Sportsmanship award and Bears defensive end Jared Allen was given the Salute to Service award.